2021/22 Undergraduate Module Catalogue

DESN3660 Independent Study Dissertation

40 creditsClass Size: 300

Module manager: Dr Peter Rhodes
Email: p.a.rhodes@leeds.ac.uk

Taught: Semesters 1 & 2 (Sep to Jun) View Timetable

Year running 2021/22

Pre-requisite qualifications

Students are expected to have studied the School's Research Methods module in their second year.

This module is not approved as a discovery module

Module summary

The role of the dissertation is to produce a written research investigation on a topic of relevance to a specific programme. The dissertation is concerned with finding, organising and interpreting research information into a coherent and cogent argument.

Objectives

The module provides students with the opportunity to investigate a subject area of relevance to their programme of study. The dissertation will allow the student to demonstrate coherent and detailed subject knowledge and should be informed by recent research/scholarship in the discipline.

Learning outcomes
On completion of this module, students should be able to:
1. Demonstrate the ability to select and investigate a topic of relevance to the core components of their programme of study;
2. Collect, edit, assess and review qualitative and/ or quantitative information;
3. Test hypotheses, fulfil aims and / or investigate research questions;
4. Produce a written dissertation which reports clearly and concisely on their investigation and discuss findings / conclusions with clarity and succinctness.

Skills outcomes
- Planning and organisation
- Problem Solving
- Information literacy
- Research skills
- Analysis, critical interpretation and argument
- Computer literacy

Syllabus

Building on areas of research expertise in the School of Design, students will select an area for further investigation within their subject specialism. The focus of individual study, methods of research and outcome are determined between student and supervisor. Introductory lecture content will include a recap on structuring your research project, identifying research material and academic writing. Students will receive individual and group tutorial support but the emphasis will be on independent study.

Teaching methods

Delivery type	Number	Length hours	Student hours
Group learning	5	2.00	10.00
Lecture	4	1.00	4.00
Tutorial	2	0.50	1.00
Private study hours			385.00
Total Contact hours			15.00
Total hours (100hr per 10 credits)			400.00

Private study

- Engage with the dissertation study skills resources on Minerva (30 hours)
- Selection of research topic ( 20 hours)
- Identification and review of background reading material / primary research (115 hours)
- Drafts of text (and, where appropriate, illustrative material) produced (120 hours)
- Final draft produced and submitted (100 hours)

Opportunities for Formative Feedback

The module includes both individual and group meetings at which verbal advice will be given. Students also have the opportunity to upload two drafts – 4000 and 8000 words respectively – for comment.

Methods of assessment

Coursework

Assessment type	Notes	% of formal assessment
Essay or Dissertation	10,000 to 12,000 words	100.00
Total percentage (Assessment Coursework)		100.00

Normally resits will be assessed by the same methodology as the first attempt, unless otherwise stated

Reading list

There is no reading list for this module

Last updated: 16/09/2021 13:13:18

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